The agency was awarded the account following a competitive pitch. The agency will commence work on the account, believed to be worth £100,000-£150,000, in the new year.

Novartis Animal Health researches, develops and commercialises animal treatments for pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. The business is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is present in almost 40 countries. The section sits within the Consumer Health Division of Novartis AG.

H&K has been hired to work on the Companion Animal Business unit and will represent its healthcare brand portfolio for the UK and Ireland.

The account will be headed up by H&K directors Jaimie Brown and Louise Watson.

‘Prescription animal medication has to go through the same regulations as human medication and cannot be promoted directly to the public,' said Brown.